My mom sent this to me in an e-mail like a month ago. I finally read it. I don't usually read the majority of the stories because I get annoyed when she constantly sends me forwards. But, hey, sometimes they're inspirational. I'll never admit that though.
The Fern and the Bamboo
One day I decided to quit....
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality.....
I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me...
"Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"
"Yes", I replied.
"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good
care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly
grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet
nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the
bamboo".
He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the
bamboo seed. But I would not quit.
In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo
seed.
But I would not quit.
He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the
earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.
But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong
and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my
creations a challenge it could not handle."
He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you
have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would
not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself
to others."
He said. "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern,
yet, they both make the forest beautiful."
"Your time will come," God said to me. " You will rise high!"
"How high should I rise?" I asked.
"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.
"As high as it can?" I questioned.
"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."
